NBA Player News

Joe had six points in 15 minutes off the bench in the Thunder’s Game 2 victory over the Suns on Wednesday. Listed as doubtful on the injury report for personal reasons for Saturday’s Game 3, Joe is unlikely to play. He’s not a significant loss for the Thunder.

With Neemias Queta being removed from the starting lineup for Game 7, this appeared to be a spot in which Vučević would have an opportunity to start on Saturday. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla decided to go with Luka Garza, who played nine minutes and recorded just one blocked shot. Vučević’s production was limited throughout the series, which led to him not playing at all in Game 7. When allowed to start and log heavy minutes, as he did in Chicago, Vučević has been a positive fantasy asset in recent seasons. However, the limited production after being traded to Boston may affect his market in free agency this summer. Vooch has top-50 potential as a starter, but that kind of role may not be available to him at this stage. At least for a team with championship aspirations.

Removed from the starting lineup for Game 7, Queta had his most productive game of the series on Saturday. The Celtics’ center’s 17 points were a playoff career high, and he hit double digits in rebounds for the third consecutive game. Thrust into a more prominent role this season following the departures of Kristaps Porziņǵis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Queta rewarded fantasy managers with a top-100 regular season. He has a team option for next season worth just under $2.7 million, so it feels as if the chances of Queta remaining in Boston are high. However, the inconsistent offensive production may prompt the Celtics also to look to upgrade at center via free agency or the trade market.

Even with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla making three changes to his starting lineup for Game 7, Pritchard remained in his usual reserve role. A 2-of-7 night from beyond the arc prevented him from being as impactful as he can be, especially when the three-pointers are falling. Saturday night was a disappointing conclusion to what was, overall, an excellent season for Pritchard. His production picked up once he moved back into the sixth-man role, and that should be Pritchard’s responsibility for 2026-27 with a healthy Jayson Tatum in the fold. Pritchard offers a top-75 fantasy floor, but the ceiling is somewhat limited.

With no Jayson Tatum (knee), it was clear that Brown was going to have to shoulder a far heavier workload in Game 7. He did his best to deliver the victory in Game 7, but the Celtics’ wing appeared to run out of steam late. Brown’s shot selection wasn’t the best, as the 76ers were able to close driving lanes better than they did as Boston made its charge early in the fourth quarter. Brown’s production during the regular season should land him a first-team All-NBA spot, but percentages and turnovers limited his fantasy ceiling. In theory, having Tatum back for a full season should boost Brown’s efficiency, but it may also lower his scoring output.

White got his Game 7 off to an excellent start, scoring 19 points in the first half. However, the 76ers, specifically VJ Edgecombe, did a much better job of defending him in the second half. White made some history, joining Kevin Durant (2018) and Robert Covington (2020) as the only players to record at least five three-pointers and three blocks in a Game 7, but it wasn’t enough to get the shorthanded Celtics over the finish line. Shooting was an issue for the Celtics’ guard throughout the season, but the ability to fill a stat line preserved his fantasy value. Managers should expect more of the same from White in 2026-27, hopefully with a more accurate jump shot.

Edgecombe gave the 76ers vital contributions on both ends of the floor to help get the team into the second round. The rookie knocked down five three-pointers on Saturday, and his third-quarter defense on Boston’s Derrick White was also critical. After scoring 19 points in the first half, White was limited to two points in the third quarter, with Edgecombe taking on that assignment. His ability on both ends of the floor will also be important in the 76ers’ second-round series against the Knicks, which opens on Monday.

Maxey’s third 30-point game of the series helped the 76ers become the most recent team to erase a 3-1 deficit. The 76ers’ guard had a big night offensively, shooting over 50 percent from the field and dishing out seven assists. And with Joel Embiid hobbled late, Maxey scored eight of his 30 points in the final two minutes to help get Philadelphia over the finish line. Next up for the 76ers are the Knicks, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday night in New York.

Embiid recorded three double-doubles in the final four games of this series, helping Philadelphia eliminate Boston from the postseason for the first time since 1982. Boston called on Jaylen Brown to defend Embiid at times, with Neemias Queta providing the help, and the former league MVP managed to put up 34 points. There was an injury scare late, as teammate Tyrese Maxey fell into Embiid’s left knee, which led to him watching the final 20 seconds from the bench. Philadelphia won’t have much time to rest, as they visit the Knicks for Game 1 of that series on Monday.

Jayson Tatum (knee) is out for Saturday’s series decider, but his absence has forced just one of three changes to the Celtics’ starting lineup. Scheierman moves into the starting lineup, with the additions of Harper and Garza pushing Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta to the bench.

The 76ers will be at full strength for Saturday’s series decider, as Embiid has been upgraded from probable to available. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center, leaving limited minutes for Andre Drummond and Adem Bona off the bench.